If you are concerned for their welfare you should contact your local authorities

Hi Shiela,
I have done a Blog & Podcast about this issue, so head to the link below to check out my advice. Good luck! Dan
http://theonlinedogtrainer.com/how-to-stop-puppy-biting-and-mouthing/

Hi Eloise,
It may not just be this one area alone where your poodle is gathering information about what his role is in his family, there are other equally important areas that allow for a lot of information to be conveyed. When it comes to barking at home versus away from your property, some dogs can feel far more protective of their home territory than they do out on a walk or further away from home….it’s all about the perceived level of threat, in a place where they should feel safe and secure.
Thanks for the post! Doggy Dan

Glad you liked my Blog Jackie! Thanks for the feedback…Doggy Dan

Mary you’ve added a rule, there are only 5, but I would be really interested to learn what your 6th rule is haha! For dogs that live indoors with us it can be common for them to feel the heat a little more, generally because the temperatures we like to live in can be very different to their preference. Remember that many dog breeds have very effective warming systems by way of their natural coats. So if they have grown their full Winter coat and we have the heating on indoors, it can mean they may get a little hotter than they like. I think that if Felix generally feels the warmth a bit more then putting a dog coat on him may not be all that necessary. Thanks for recommending us! Best, Doggy Dan

This is a pretty common issues and you would think that our dogs understand the blankets and beds are there for their own comfort! Dogs who are destructive and chew things can be motivated by anxiety, especially if it mainly happens when you are out of the house. They need somewhere to direct that anxious energy and the actions of chewing helps release feel-good hormones into their system to help calm them down. My website TheOnlineDogTrainer.com covers this issue. I’m certainly not saying this is what’s going on with your dog but it is important to look at the behaviour to see if there are any underlying behavioural issues. Some dogs do just like to chew! As long as your dog has somewhere they can get out of the cold weather and wind, then that may be the best option for your dog. There are pet beds on the market that claim to be indestructible, so you may like to look into those. Best, Doggy Dan

Great idea Olivia! I’m always in support of recycling and who doesn’t have an old pair of comfy tracksuit bottoms lying around. Best, Doggy Dan

Hi Alex, this is a bit of a difficult issue to approach if the dogs are owned by other people. It is important that dogs living outdoors have shelter from the elements, plenty of fresh water and enough food to eat. It is a bit frustrating and upsetting when you feel that dogs are not being looked after as you would like them to, so if you are concerned then maybe having a chat to your local animal welfare authority would help clarify what the regulations are. In an ideal world the dog’s owners would take on-board your advice but that may not happen. Thanks for keeping an eye out for these dogs, best Doggy Dan

Thanks Christopher! I’m really glad you find the information I put out helpful. We don’t get the kind of Winter temperatures here in New Zealand that you guys get in the Northern hemisphere. I actually find it really hard to comprehend that level of cold, but keeping dogs warm and safe should always be a top priority for their owners! Best, Doggy Dan

Hi Lisa,
What a very lucky dog! Some dogs find extreme temperatures, like heat or cold, an unusual sensation on their paws and so it can help to provide something to insulate them. It may help to place an old towel or rug over the heated mat so that it dulls the warmth a little. If your dog has a favourite blanket then placing this over the mat might work really well. Just be careful there is no risk of it causing a fire etc, as some mats are not designed to be covered. Other than that if you use treats to encourage your dog to sit on the mat then it will create a more positive association for her. Sometimes making too big a fuss about having a dog lay on the mat can actually make them avoid it even more, so it may be best to let her work it out herself. Best, Doggy Dan

Hi Rosalind, glad you found a solution that works for you all! Having a dog sleep on your bed is absolutely not a problem as long as you have invited them up rather than them claiming that space at will. I generally advise clients to get settled in bed first and then call their dog up. Sounds like you have one very amazing dog! Best…Doggy Dan

I must admit I too see my dogs as part of the family…
Sometimes on very cold nights I will actually get out of bed and go into the lounge where it can get cold in the winter to put the blankets over the dogs again! The funniest thing is the appreciation I get is incredible so its all worth it. A couple of my dogs seem to have learnt the art of pulling their own blankets over themselves – I’ve never seen them do it but I know it happens !